Rational Analysis of Selected Non-conventional Animal Protein Sources on Performance of Commercial Broiler

Background: At global level supplication for protein production is always high. Among the various protein production industries poultry farming is measured as one of the major contributors. In Indian poultry production, South Indian states contributing maximum proportion are exclusively by Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. With Tamilnadu’s Namakkal being a center, contributing a highest fraction of Indian meat and egg production. However, the feed cost is dignified as major consideration of poultry producers. Especially, cost of key protein feed sources like soya increases up to triple fold in a year. Thus, the study intended to focus on alternative non-conventional feed sources for broilers. Methods: In the present investigation, non-conventional animal protein sources like black soldier fly larva, silk worm pupae and earthworm meals replaced 25%, 35% and 50% of soya meal in standard feed formulations for the commercial broiler Cobb500. The efficacy of these non-conventional protein sources were tested through parameters like feed intake and weight gain. Result: The calculated feed conversion rates were clearly indicated the impact of the feed formulations. Minimum replacement i.e. 25% of these sources were resulted most benefits in all phases of the broilers and increased concentrations of 35 and 50% of black soldier fly larvae, silk worm pupae and earthworm meals were not ensued much benefits in performance as well as meat quality of the cobb500 birds. Intake of the feed with high concentrations of non-conventional protein sources were slightly varied with standard values especially during finisher phase. However, the gain of the body weight is much affected due to poor digestion and absorption. The study revealed that even though minimal replacement of non-conventional animal protein sources enhance the broiler performances, high concentrations of the resources were counterproductive to utilize the maximum benefits. However, the feed processing like extrusion, crystallization and removal of coliform could yield precise potential of high concentrations of these non-conventional animal protein sources.